Who should be tipped during the holidays? Don't let it stress you out

As holiday shoppers make their lists and check them twice, those who provide regular services should not be left out.

While it may seem easiest just to stick a few bills in an envelope and call your holiday tipping finished, there are some matters of etiquette and policy which need to be kept in mind.

Some service providers, such as postal workers and, in some cases, teachers, cannot accept cash gifts. The United States government prohibits civil servants, including postal workers, from receiving cash gifts to curtail bribery, but small non-cash gifts totalling no more than $20 can be given to show your appreciation for that mail delivery which doesn’t falter, regardless of weather.

The most popular people to tip, according to the December 2007 issue of Consumer Reports, are childcare providers, housekeepers and cleaners and a child’s teachers. Hairdressers, newspaper carriers, gardeners and apartment building caretakers were among the other most commonly tipped professions. Housekeepers and childcare providers led the pack in amount of tips and gifts, at $50 and $40, respectively.

So, with all those people in your life who provide a service, how do you choose who to thank, and should you give a gift or cash?

Robin Thompson, owner of Etiquette Network in Pekin, says a simple rule of thumb is to give to those who "(go) over and beyond the average service," like baby sitters who will watch your children on short notice or the hairdresser who squeezes in your much-needed trim on an already busy day.

"There’s no set guidelines. There’s no right or wrong," she said. "(Holiday tipping) is one of those real sticky areas."

Personalized gifts are acceptable when dealing with childcare providers or teachers, but should be shied away from if you don’t know the person particularly well. If you haven’t become personal friends but still think the person deserves a reward for excellent service, gift cards are always an option.

"You should keep the recipient’s tastes in mind," Thompson stated, noting alcohol is a no-no unless you know the person imbibes. For teachers, gift cards to bookstores or restaurants are often greatly appreciated, she said.

For gardeners, newspaper carriers or other providers who provide regular service but you may not speak with often, cash gifts are acceptable, as long as the person’s employer allows such gifts.

When it comes to how much to give, Thompson stresses that tipping and gifts are "not designed to put you in debt." If money is not an object, she suggests a tip equal to the amount of one session or one week’s service, depending on the person.

Thompson also advises being wary of giving homemade baked goods, especially for those on a diet. "Baked goods are fine, but make it low-cal or sugar free," or consider alternative foodstuffs such as fruit or cheeses.

No matter what you decide to do in terms of holiday tipping, Thompson states it should not be the cause of any extra holiday stress.

"Try not to go overboard. Don’t let it ruin your holiday season," she said. "With all the problems that we have in our world, this should not be one of them."

Michelle Anstett can be reached at (309) 686-3196 or manstett@pjstar.com.